Governor Martin O’Malley (D: MD) has declared a State of Emergency in the wake of Friday’s devastating storms that knocked out power to over 840,000 residents statewide. The emergency declaration states that power may not be fully restored in the state for up to seven days.

The emergency declaration gives the state the flexibility to activate the Maryland National Guard. The order states that excessive heat conditions have resulted in 74 cooling stations being opened across the state. The order also says there is an urgent need to waive regulations related to commercial vehicles so resources can be deployed where needed.